Photo © Jennifer Pritheeva Samuel

Creating a peaceful world though music.

"Imagine a peaceful world. A world in which our external differences and definitions are dissolved in joy and inspiration as music becomes both a glue to bind us and a solvent to diffuse our barriers, conflicts and egos. Music can take on a life force of its own and shape the environment accordingly. Let's choose peace, love, togetherness, and happiness.

Somehow great music can reroute our brain's electrical patterns away from that center of the brain that wants to define and separate us. Music is so essential to the make-up of the mind. The songs we hear can become the theme songs of our time and these themes can find their way into our subconscious mind, having a tremendous affect. The musician should be aware of this, and accept the responsibility. And so this life is deep as the thoughts we keep and thoughts begin at a synaptic level, like the color and cadence of  electricity moving deep within the mind."

Yale Scholar of the House Kevin Nathaniel has been studying, playing, and building mbiras since 1982. He worked closely with legendary Zimbabwean mbira master Ephat Mujuru, as well as with masters Dumisani Maraire and Zeleka Jenkins. He is a founding member of Spirit Ensemble, a group that pioneered the use of mbiras on the New York world music scene.

Kevin has composed and recorded for several projects including Alice Walker's "Possessing The Secret Of Joy" and the film "Beloved", starring Oprah Winfrey.

His workshops and lecture demonstrations have been presented at numerous institutions including Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Guggenheim Museum, The Juilliard School, University of Michigan, and Wesleyan University. His music is featured on several recordings, and world music compilations.